# The context bar and panels

> The context bar is the set of controls that appears when you select content. It is not the main bar: the main bar is for choosing a tool, while the context bar lets you modify the selected object.

Source: https://docs.vectorboard.app/en/getting-started/the-context-bar-and-panels/ · GETTING STARTED

The context bar is the set of controls that appears when you select content. It is not the main bar: the main bar is for choosing a tool, while the context bar lets you modify the selected object.

![The context bar and panels](https://assets.vectorboard.app/docs/fig/fig-807.webp)

Detail: 1 selected note; 2 context bar; 3 size controls.

In this detail, **Fill** changes the color, **Text** opens its controls and **Ask AI** acts on the selection. The overlapping squares duplicate the note; the trash can deletes it; the three dots open more actions. The square handles change its size; dragging the note moves it.

| Selection | Controls | What changes |
|---|---|---|
| Text | Font, size, color and alignment | The appearance of the selected text. |
| Sticky note | Color, size and arrangement | The note and its position among other notes. |
| Shape | Fill, border, type and text | The selected shape, not all the shapes on the board. |
| Image | Crop, flip and effects | The image that is displayed. |
| Plain table | Rows, columns and style | Its structure and presentation. |
| Data table | Cell/range controls and **Create chart** | The data selection or a new chart linked to it. |
| Section | Color, sort, fit and lock | The area or the organization of its content. |

![Context bar: table](https://assets.vectorboard.app/docs/fig/fig-808.webp)
*Change the appearance of a table*

1. Choose **Select** and click the element. Check the selection outline.
2. Review the context bar and choose the control for the property you want to change.
3. Apply a change and check the selected object. Use **Undo** if the result is not what you wanted.

Panels organize information: **Pages** shows the work pages, **Sections** lists the named areas, **Bookmarks** saves destinations and **Insert** shows the element types. A menu offers actions; a dialog asks for information before completing them. Closing a panel does not delete its content.